The Gulf of Mexico's annual "dead zone" will likely persist for decades, according to a new report by Canadian scientists.The researchers said the oxygen-starved patch would linger even if farmers could immediately end all fertilizer runoff.A dead zone with too little oxygen to support marine life forms every summer, fed largely by nitrogen fertilizer.A study in Thursday's journal Science said it's not just the current year's fertilizer adding nitrogen to the Mississippi River, but nitrogen that has built up underground and in groundwater.Researcher Kim Van Meter said reducing the dead zone will take work, and planners need to realize how long it will take.Dead zone researchers not involved with Van Meter's work have called it a well-done study. They also note that the zone responds quickly to changes in nitrogen in the river.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

NEW ORLEANS —

The Gulf of Mexico's annual "dead zone" will likely persist for decades, according to a new report by Canadian scientists.

The researchers said the oxygen-starved patch would linger even if farmers could immediately end all fertilizer runoff.

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A dead zone with too little oxygen to support marine life forms every summer, fed largely by nitrogen fertilizer.

A study in Thursday's journal Science said it's not just the current year's fertilizer adding nitrogen to the Mississippi River, but nitrogen that has built up underground and in groundwater.

Researcher Kim Van Meter said reducing the dead zone will take work, and planners need to realize how long it will take.

Dead zone researchers not involved with Van Meter's work have called it a well-done study. They also note that the zone responds quickly to changes in nitrogen in the river.